Neither team has adjusted their starting lineup.
The Clippers still primarily focus on Paul as the organizational core.
On the outside, they’re equipped with shooters like Redick, while Wesley Johnson emphasizes defense on the wing.
Inside, Griffin has a certain amount of isolation ability, but his efficiency is not high, and Little Jordan focuses on finishing and rim protection.
On the bench, there are players like Crawford who can break through defenses.
Each member of the Clippers’ lineup has a clear role, which seems very reasonable.
However, Zeng Xingyang knows that while this lineup is reasonable, it overly relies on Paul’s offensive organization.
Their offensive starting points are too few.
Once Paul isn’t performing well, the team’s offense will fall into trouble.
In fact, Paul often has moments when he isn’t performing well, which often leads the Clippers to small climaxes and game reversals.
The Clippers have always struggled to reach the Western Conference Finals floor, largely due to Paul’s personal reasons.
Jokic and Little Jordan jump.
Little Jordan jumped too early, Jokic swatted the ball to Harris.
Harris passes the ball to Zeng Xingyang, as Paul quickly comes over to defend.
The Clippers’ intentions are clear, ready to start with physical intensity in Playoffs Game 1, making the game fragmented.
Zheng Xingyang doesn’t hesitate, dribbles directly over, signaling to isolate for a one-on-one.
The space quickly spreads out.
Zheng Xingyang faces Paul one-on-one.
Zheng Xingyang uses his body to knock into him, spins and forces past Paul, who doesn’t dare to foul.
Zheng Xingyang holds the ball and drives inside, Wesley Johnson comes over to help immediately.
But this help defense is too late, Zeng Xingyang draws a foul from Wesley Johnson.
Stepping up to the free-throw line, Zeng Xingyang easily makes both free throws to score two points.
"Xingyang’s offense has become very aggressive," Zhang Weiping said.
"This is the playoffs; it’s not easy to find open positions. Xingyang’s choice is very correct. Only by fighting through can you eventually get good results," Yu Jia said.
Paul dribbles past half-court, and the shot clock is down to 16 seconds.
The Clippers slow down the pace significantly, and after a series of passes by Paul, when the ball reaches Griffin in the low post, there are only 10 seconds left on the shot clock.
The Nuggets have set up their defensive positions properly, which means the Clippers don’t have a chance to execute a second tactic.
The Clippers’ tactics seem more traditional now; they haven’t adopted the recent years’ popular fast-break defense, nor do they have the dazzling small-ball tactics.
It’s just straightforward tactic execution, and if that fails, they resort to driving into the paint.
Griffin turns his body, tries to explosively attack Grant.
Grant is knocked away, Zeng Xingyang comes over to steal the ball but doesn’t succeed, forcing Griffin to gather the ball early and take a step for a layup.
Griffin has good basic skills in the paint, his wingspan is just too short, which extends his finishing time.
This gives Jokic plenty of time to come over and disrupt Griffin’s layup.
Pope grabs the rebound.
The Nuggets showcase their solid defense.
"The Nuggets have a very layered defense, Xingyang’s attempt to cut the ball was crucial, forcing Griffin to gather the ball early," Zhang Weiping said.
"Yes, while Jokic technically interfered with the shot, Xingyang’s contribution can’t be ignored," Yu Jia said.
With the commentators’ words, Zeng Xingyang’s defense seems like that of a top defensive player.
Fans at home enjoy this praise; they kind of narrative.
Especially Zhang’s phrase: "Xingyang, play him!" has been considered a classic among the fans on various forums.
"Hey, here it comes, the Nuggets’ offense is on its way, Xingyang is going at Paul. Has he found him? Yes, he’s found him. Does Paul think he can hide? Can he hide?" Coach Zhang begins his verbal magic.
On the court, the Nuggets’ opening tactics are very simple; if Zeng Xingyang has a straightforward opportunity facing Paul, he takes it directly; if not, they create opportunities through screens.
At the right free-throw line position, Zeng Xingyang continues to target Paul.
Paul originally was guarding Pope, but at Xingyang’s signal, Pope quickly comes over to set a screen.
Pick and roll, switch!
Paul comes to defend.
Zeng Xingyang uses his body to bump into Paul, holding an absolute advantage.
Paul’s lower body is very steady, but Zeng Xingyang moves him backward and continues to power through.
Paul uses the force but is sent flying sideways.
The referee doesn’t call a whistle, Zeng Xingyang doesn’t stop, instead he turns and gathers the ball, jumps to the front for a steady close-distance jump shot to score two points.
Zeng Xingyang calmly opens the scoring with 4 points, helping the Nuggets gain ground.
On the court, Zeng Xingyang continues to put pressure on Paul.
Paul is very frustrated.